Curse

Adam of Tyria · Feb 24, 2007, 04:08 PM // 16:08

Ok my computer is starting to lag more and more while playing Guildwars, so I was wondering if a graphics card would help stop the lag. If I were to buy a graphics card what kind would I buy? Also, if I dont need a graphics card to stop the lag, then what would I need to make it run smoother?

Comp Stats:

eMachine
Intel Pentium 4 Processor 519
200GB 7200 RPM SATA Hard Drive
1024 MB of Memory
Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900
0.99 GB of Ram
Comcast HighSpeed Internet

Also can you post the link to what Im buying so I can see exactly what it is and how much it will be.

Thanks if you can help.

tijo · Feb 24, 2007, 05:49 PM // 17:49

While a new video card would help and i recommend it, adding more ram might be a less expensive solution. As for a new video card, if you intend to play Guild Wars only you don't really need anything fancy a GeForce 6600 or 7600 is more than enough and they aren't that expensive.

I have a Gateway 838GH with
a Pentium4 630
1.5GB Ram
intel GMA 900 which is what you have
and sympatico intermediate DSL internet

Never had any problems with lag, the game runs smoothly even with programs like iTunes running in the background.

Although, now i play on my laptop which has a real video card because the graphics are way better and i get some portability too.

-Edit: Would also help to know in what country you are for links to what you're buying that way you'll have a pretty good idea of the real price.

Adam of Tyria · Feb 24, 2007, 06:36 PM // 18:36

I live in the USA, Pennsylvania.

Kyuuba · Feb 24, 2007, 09:55 PM // 21:55

yes... you should consider getting a nVidia geforce 7600GS or 7600GT and it should help smooth out the game a lot (big jump from an integrated graphics platform to discrete graphics).

does your motherboard have an open PCI-Express or AGP slot? you need to consider this before buying a graphics card.

i dont know if you have any local computer stores (since graphics cards tend to be over price at big electronics department stores such as Bestbuy)
you might want to consider ordering online from a site such as

http://www.newegg.com

Both these are for PCI-Express x16:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130062

this one is $20 cheaper, but definitely get the one above if you can afford it (better bang for the buck overall):
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130075

If you do have an AGP, you can find simliar models of the above graphics cards for AGP slots.

Overall your system should be fine for GW after a graphics upgrade.

Adam of Tyria · Feb 25, 2007, 01:51 AM // 01:51

So better graphics can improve the quality it runs with less lag? Or am I better off getting a RAM upgrade?

Tachyon · Feb 25, 2007, 02:56 AM // 02:56

This PC I'm using can easily get back 100fps+ in Guild Wars at maximum settings, sometimes well over 200 too, and didn't cost the Earth. I always go for homebuilt over mass produced so the cost only came to around the £800 mark.

Antec 900 Gaming Case
Athlon64 3800+ (soon to be dual core X2)
2GB Mushkin HP3200
GeForce 7900GS 512MB PCI-e (550/1500)
Audigy SE 7.1
Hiper TypeR 580W PSU

It took no longer than 2 hours to build. Then again, I do work in the PC field.

llsektorll · Feb 25, 2007, 03:31 AM // 03:31

wait for the 8600 about to release in a month or two for a very very low starting price. Which is DirectX10 card.... and will last you next two or even three years if you really hate upgrading often.

M1h4iL · Feb 25, 2007, 03:45 AM // 03:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adam of Tyria

So better graphics can improve the quality it runs with less lag? Or am I better off getting a RAM upgrade?

Yes get a better video card, and you don't need any more ram.